Motion Picture Photography Chapter 13

10 The Key Rule All motion pictures, no matter how long, must be planned. Once planned, always stick to the plan. Prepare a storyboard. Find out what equipment is available and if it is sufficient. Chapter 13

10 Storyboards Basic Information Identification of scene and shot by scene name and /or citation of dialogue Type of shot and any other information that the production crew might need (special effects, props, etc…) Look like extended comic strips Chapter 13

10 Motion Picture Photography Basic Equipment Video Camera Sound Equipment Lighting Equipment Editing Equipment (VCR/VTR, Computer with editing software) Chapter 13

10 Tips of the Trade Actors “cheat” to make their facial expressions show up better on camera. “Cheating” occurs when two actors talking to one another turn slightly toward the camera Pausing between lines helps make editing easier and ensure words do not get cut out accidentally Chapter 13

10 Tips of the Trade (cont) Matching Shots Responsibility of the Script person Ensure all details in one scene match details in other scenes Example: Holding pen in right hand in throughout a series of shots, not different hands or setting it down. Chapter 13

10 Tips of the Trade (cont) Using your time efficiently means: Shooting scenes at same place at the same time instead of going back and forth from location to location Setting up lights/equipment one time rather than taking it up and down Backup plans -- indoor scenes might need to be shot in case of bad weather Chapter 13

10 Shot Selection Master Shots Master shots present entire scene Two-shots show two actors Establishing shots intro scenes/backgrounds Reversals & close-ups give variety and add dramatic emphasis Cutaways show people or objects that relate but are not part of the scene Chapter 13

10 Camera Work Common Camera Movements Pan - horizontally across screen Tilt - vertically up or down Tracking shot - follow character’s actions Body cam - to simulate movement of a person Steadicam - Harness worn by camera operator that helps hold the camera steady. Chapter 13

10 Optical Effects Transitions Between Scenes/Shots Fade - slowly dim scene to nothing Dissolve - bring scene out of focus Wipe - One scene replaces another by wiping the previous one off the screen Chapter 13

10 Lighting Types and Uses Directional - from a single source that casts definite shadows (like the sun on a clear day or flashlights) Diffused - does not seem to come from a single source, illuminates large spaces, and does not cast clear shadows (like the sun on a cloudy day or floodlights) Chapter 13

10 Editing Different Types of Cuts Match cuts - unobtrusively alternate distance and angles within a scene Cutaways - momentarily take viewers away from main scene Compilation cuts - rapid succession of shots designed to give the viewer an impression of a person, place, or action Chapter 13

10 Editing (cont) Ground Rules Make a preproduction shot chart List of all shots you plan to take, labeled and identified Slate (and, if possible, time) each shot Identify shots on camera Keep a running record of your shots Log shots to keep track during production Chapter 13

10 Editing (cont) More Ground Rules Don’t worry about mistakes -- you can always erase and record again Remember optical effects can add to your movie Keep finished clips on videotape separate so as not to overwrite accidentally Chapter 13